2009.08.20
Virginia's grim revenue picture makes for tough choices ahead
Sunday, we'll comment on the grim news that Virginia is facing another $1.5 billion budget shortfall, leaving Gov. Tim Kaine to make the fourth round of cuts to the state's general fund since September. The general fund supports the state's core services: education; health, including mental health; and public safety. Virginians should keep in mind, during this year's election campaigns, that these already reduced services are what are at stake when candidates talk about reducing government or avoiding new transportation taxes by tapping into general fund revenue streams.
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psssst! whatever you decide to do don't call it rationing.
Comment by MrRational — August 20, 2009 @ 1:51 pm
Maybe we could call it Spending Death Panels.
Comment by Henry — August 20, 2009 @ 2:36 pm
Thank goodness the obstructionist House of Delegates opposed Kaine tooth and nail on all that highway spending Kaine wanted to do. We didn't have the money then and we sure as heck don't now.
How much time elapses before they rescind the car tax that Gilmore got passed. They never instituted it fully anyway....
Comment by Bob H — August 20, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
Just months ago Kaine gave another very positive estimatiion of state revenues and promoted several new programs he had talked about in his campaign. Now he is not talking about those programs but saying "pain must be shared." Students at Tech will share the pain so Kaine can keep his campaign promises.
Kaine approved a million dollar bonus for Penny Kyle, his long time friend, who he appointed as president of RU. Make no mistake about it Kaine approved that for Kyle is an employee of the state. Kaine approves compensation for all presidents of state universities. What is so special about Kyle that she makes so much more than the president of James Madison or Longwood or VCU and on and on...she is K of Kyle and Kaine.
This guy, pretending to be governor, is running around like a chicken just let out of the coop.
Comment by fred douglas — August 20, 2009 @ 5:56 pm
It will be easier for the General Assembly to stand strong this year and force program cuts, because Virginians have had a chance to see how tax and spend has failed nationally. I think the blue state experiment is one and done for now.
Comment by Suzie — August 20, 2009 @ 8:16 pm
"reduced services are what are at stake when candidates talk about reducing government" - RT
i.e. services that were never required, corruption, entitlements, taxpayer funded luxuries, over-spending initiatives, bigger government, etc. Yep, that's what we're talking about. Good thing the RT is here to break these words out into laymen's terms for us.
Comment by Jim — August 20, 2009 @ 11:47 pm
I'm just curious about who is making these revenue projections...and why do they still have a job? It would seem that they'd be able to do a better job than miss it by $1.5 BILLION.
Comment by Danny — August 21, 2009 @ 8:18 am
It has long been apparent that "we" think one way and "politicians" we elect think another. So my question is, why do we keep electing them? We know what is wrong with them, but what is wrong with us? What happens to common sense and rational thought after you are elected to something. Do we really live in two different worlds or is one side just crazy?
I think Other John hit on it the other day when he was talking about the best and brightest not being drawn to government work (I am paraphrasing and I apologize if I get this wrong OJ!). I think the folks we elect (sometimes without any choice) and then the people they choose to implement "the vision" are simply ruining to many pots. I do not know the answer but I think a serious overhaul and more decision by citizen referendum is our only hope. I don't look for any pol to grant that concession, but frankly too many of us are either disengaged and apathetic or very engaged and apoplectic. We need more input and better decisions but darned if I know how to get them. I know who I do NOT trust and so do all of you. Question is, who DO we trust?
Comment by Sandi Saunders — August 21, 2009 @ 8:38 am
"Question is, who DO we trust?"
Comment by Sandi Saunders — August 21, 2009 @ 8:38 am
Nobody in the Obama administration, that's for darn sure.
Comment by Patrick — August 21, 2009 @ 8:50 am
Gee Patrick, I would never have guessed
Comment by Sandi Saunders — August 21, 2009 @ 9:01 am
Patrick this is a Virginia state issue, so I'm not sure where Obama's admin comes into play, except for the fact that you're completely incapable of making a post without some slam on Obama whether relevant or not.
Comment by Kristen — August 21, 2009 @ 9:12 am
Sandi, you got it right
The only time I've personally seen the best and brightest drawn to government work is when they either have a deep-seated love of public service (rare) or really like the benefits like a nice retirement package and a ton of days off (most often). I would have stuck with the state for working if they weren't laying people off left and right and continually cutting budgets, I really enjoyed the work and helping people with the work I did. As irony would have it, now I'm a private contractor with the government doing the kind of work I would have done as a state employee, but at about 25% higher pay and with much more job security.
Comment by Other John — August 21, 2009 @ 9:13 am
Kristen, Sandi's post wasn't specifically a state issue, and I'm capable of many things...slamming Obama just happens to be one of my favorites.
You hate Bush, I hate Obama. Oh, wait, that's not allowed is it?
Comment by Patrick — August 21, 2009 @ 9:52 am
Not that this will come as a surprise to anyone here, but I didn't elect Kaine.
Then again, my delegate, Lacey Putney has served for like 100 years....
Comment by Bob H — August 21, 2009 @ 11:53 am